A significant community meeting with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) /Doctors without Borders to address healthcare challenges in the region was held on May 30 at Noklak Town Baptist Church, Noklak. During the meeting, the Khiamniungan community urged the MSF to continue and extend its support with the healthcare initiative which has impacted not just Noklak but beyond borders including Nagas in Myanmar.
In an introductory note, Rev. Hempao, Executive Secretary ( ES), Khiamniungan Baptist Churches Associatio (KBCA) emphasized that the healthcare initiative is a collective effort of the Khiamniungan community with no individual ownership. He also noted that Eleutheros Christian Society (ECS) is the only active Non Governmental Organization (NGO) in the area which raises concern for Khiamniungans in Myanmar who may lack access to critical healthcare if things get worsen in the near future. He expressed his gratitude to MSF and ECS for their support noting the region’s long struggle with doctor shortages. He also expressed appreciation to Dr. Chingmak, Secretary, ECS for connecting with MSF, leading to the project’s launch a year ago, now benefitting communities even beyond.
Leena from MSF emphasized on sustainability and partnership in Noklak Health Project. In her address, Leena shared insights into MSF’s mission of reaching underserved regions, adding that the Noklak initiative is a unique and first-of-its-kind proposal for the organization. While highlighting MSF’s collaboration with ECS which has been instrumental in organizing community health camps and delivering quality care, she called for local partnerships in the region.
She stressed that the key challenge now is ensuring the continuity of healthcare services beyond MSF and ECS’s presence. She assured the gathering that the issues raised would be taken seriously and shared with the MSF office with a commitment to explore sustainable solutions. She also underscored the role of ECS as a trusted partner in strengthening the local healthcare network.
Speaking at the community meet, Medical Office (M.O), District Hospital Noklak, Dr. Chongya highlighted the ongoing challenges in Noklak’s healthcare system. He particularly pointed out the poor infrastructure and shortage of doctors who often leave after brief postings. He also highlighted the positive impact of ECS’s regular monthly health camps at Langnok. Dr. Chongya urged MSF to take note of the persistent issues faced by the Khiamniungan people and support long-term solutions.
The President of Khiamniungan Menyiu Hoikam (KMH), shared an emotional account of the hardships faced by pregnant women in the past, recalling the risks they undertook during childbirth due to the absence of hospitals and transportation. She highlighted the situation in remote villages, especially in the Burmese Khiamniungan areas where women are still carried on bed for hours to access basic medical help. While acknowledging improvements over the years, she stressed that much more needs to be done. She earnestly appealed the MSF team to continue and strengthen their support, especially in times when these communities need it the most.
The Khiamniungan Students’ Union (KSU) had voiced concern over the lack of proper medical healthcare facilities in the district. Highlighting the impact on students’ mental well-being, physical activity, and overall health, KSU urged the concerned mission to urgently intervene and establish necessary healthcare infrastructure in the region.
The Pangsha Public Organization (PPO) praised the ECS project for its significant impact in their area, especially through the support of MSF, and the recent eye surgery camp at Pangsha PHC, where 27% of patients successfully underwent surgery, benefitting patients from beyond borders.
While healthcare support have improved, he pointed out the ongoing challenges such as poor communication, financial constraints, and lack of transportation. He urged MSF to extend the project and continue supporting the community.
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In a heartfelt address, the President of the Khiamniungan Tribal Council (KTC) reflected on the pain of the community being divided across two nations and the long struggle for recognition, including the hard-fought creation of Noklak district. Despite repeated appeals to the Nagaland government, he lamented that the voices of the Khiamniungan people have often gone unheard. He expressed deep gratitude to MSF and ECS for their commitment to uplifting the community, calling their work a beacon of hope where government efforts have failed. Acknowledging the chronic issue of doctors not staying long in the region, he urged MSF to continue their support.
In a moving address, the Khiamniungan Public Organization (KPO) from Myanmar highlighted the severe healthcare crisis faced by Naga communities across the border. Describing the critical situation prevailing in Myanmar since the 2021 military takeover, he pointed out how hospitals in Naga areas have become non-functional, with medical staff resigning and basic medicines no longer available. While some private hospitals exist in major cities under Myanmar like Mandalay, Monya and Yangon, etc. access is nearly impossible due to damaged airports, travel restrictions, and civil war.
He also shared on the recent enforcement of biometric entry and the scrapping of the Free Movement Regime which has further worsened the situation making it difficult for patients to access care in Nagaland beyond the permits.
He expressed deep gratitude to ECS and MSF for their ongoing support and appealed for expanded medical services in Noklak, stating that it remains the only hope for the Khiamniungan Naga people in Myanmar.
The leaders of the Khiamniungan Community presented a memorandum appealing for project extension and establishment of MSF office at Noklak Headquarter.
The event was chaired by Chongkoi (KBCA), and concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Chingmak Chang, Director, ECS.
